CAM trained GPs prescribe fewer antibiotics

A new study published in BMJ Open showed GP surgeries in the UK employing GPs trained in integrative (IM) or complementary medicine (CAM) prescribed significantly fewer antibiotics than those employing conventionally trained GPs. Data from 7,274 GP surgeries were studied and compared with 9 surgeries with GPs trained in IM or CAM. Although data were limited, the evidence was clear. This finding is particularly relevant given the major threat posed by antibiotic resistance. If you would like to be part of the sustainable health movement read more about the launch of our consultation “Blueprint for health system sustainability in the UK”.

More evidence: Caloric Restriction slows ageing

A new study (CALERIE – Comprehensive Assessment of the Long-Term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy) again confirms the benefits of caloric restriction to humans. The study looked at the effect of reducing calorie intake by 15% for 2 years in non-obese subjects. Subjects in the study averaged 8kg weight loss, reduced energy expenditure and reduced oxidative stress, all of which are linked to early ageing. Put simply this means eat less food to help your body become keto-adapted so it works more efficiently and reduces the health issues associated with ageing. For more information on enhancing your metabolic flexibility watch part 2 of The Obesity Fix video plus check out the ANH-Intl Food4Health guidelines.

Epigenetics and breast cancer risk

In recent years researchers have delved into the human genome looking for genes linked to cancer, particularly breast cancer. One of the most well-known genes linked to an increased risk of cancer (breast and/or ovarian) is the BRCA gene in women. This discovery, however, has been unable to explain why 60% of families with multiple breast cancer cases occur. Researchers publishing in Nature Communications have found epigenetics (the impact of our environment on our genes) fill in a lot of the blanks with “epimutations” being passed through generations. The changes in the way DNA works through these mutations was found to mimic cancers that develop in women carrying the BRCA1 gene. Researchers describe the findings as a “paradigm shifting for current clinical genetic testing and it explains an additional proportion of the currently unexplained multiple-case breast cancer families”. Functional and lifestyle medicine practitioners have long known that our health is dependent on the complex and continuous interactions between our genes, lifestyle choices and environmental influences.

HPV trilogy “Sacrificial Virgins” wins again

News reports across the globe continue to promote the value of HPV vaccine, telling us it will conquer cervical cancer (and in some countries that it already has). Those that question these claims are derided and labelled ‘anti-vaxxers’ despite increasing evidence of the potential for serious adverse reactions. Despite this climate, the film trilogy “Sacrificial Virgins” has won yet another film award. This time, the team scooped the prestigious Special Jury Prize for World Social Impact at the Queens World Film Festival (QWFF) in Queens, New York. Filmmaker Joan Shenton said on receiving the award “We also feel that this award acknowledges the tens of thousands of young women suffering severe neurological damage associated with HPV vaccines, some fatally, their families who are seeking recognition of the true causes of their agony, and the doctors and scientists who are trying to prevent more young people suffering the same. Some of them appear in the films and should share this award with us, and our hearts go out to all of them”. Watch out for news about an Alliance for Natural Health production exploring the issues surrounding HPV vaccine coming soon.

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